Stock Movers: LVMH Tariffs, Ferretti Investor Dispute, GSK Acquires Rapt Therapeutics

LVMH Faces Potential Tariffs

• 📉 LVMH is on track for its seventh consecutive session of losses, the longest streak since March.
• ⚠️ This downturn is linked to US President Donald Trump's threat of imposing a 200% tariff on French wines and champagnes.
• 🇫🇷 The potential tariffs stem from a diplomatic disagreement following France's rejection of an invitation to join Trump's peace board.
• 📈 Shares have fallen to levels not seen since October, impacting brands like Moët and Veuve Clicquot under the LVMH umbrella.

Ferretti Investor Conflict Escalates

• 🛥️ A significant investor in yacht maker Ferretti, KKCG Maritimes (part of Caramex investment group), plans to propose a shareholder vote to remove directors linked to the top shareholder, Weichai Group.
• 🇨🇳 This move signals an escalating proxy fight and challenge to the Chinese company's influence.
• 🤝 The dispute is an ongoing clash between the two shareholders, previously involving disagreements over share buyback programs and allegations of spying.
• 📊 KKCG plans to more than double its stake, while Weichai Group recently increased its own holdings, intensifying the power battle.

GSK Acquires Rapt Therapeutics

• 💊 GSK has agreed to acquire US-based biotech firm Rapt Therapeutics for $2.2 billion.
• 💡 Rapt Therapeutics focuses on developing treatments for inflammatory and immunologic diseases, a key area for GSK's strategic focus.
• 💰 The acquisition price represents a 65% premium to Rapt Therapeutics' closing price from the previous day.
• 📈 While Rapt Therapeutics shares rose significantly in pre-market trading, GSK shares saw a slight dip of just over 1%.
• 🚀 This deal is crucial for GSK's new CEO, who aims to prove the company's pipeline can meet revenue ambitions by the end of the decade, especially as other business areas like vaccines underperform.